Name:Shriya Menon
Pronouns:She/Her
Semester of Internship: Summer 2024
Major:Financial Economics, Information Systems minor
Current Class Level:Junior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):T. Rowe Price
Location of the Organization (City, State):Owings Mills
Title of position: Global Client Account Services Analyst
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship at T. Rowe Price's Owings Mills branch as a Global Account Services intern, I had an exciting and hands-on experience in the Client Account Services division. My daily tasks included transferring substantial sums of money—sometimes up to $15 million—between various accounts and firms. We had numerous training and practice sessions to ensure accuracy and efficiency in these transfers. Alongside these responsibilities, I worked on three major projects, including a career progression initiative where I interviewed over 50 senior professionals and honed my skills with tools like Excel and PowerPoint. This project is now being used by the department as a job aid for both internal and external users and serves as a presentation tool for our project manager.
One of the highlights was the incredible networking opportunities. I connected with over 100 people across the firm, learning from their diverse experiences. The internship also offered fantastic extracurricular activities, with my favorite being a women's networking breakfast where I engaged with inspiring women from different departments. The culture at T. Rowe Price was vibrant and diverse, making every day an exciting and rewarding experience!
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?:
I first learned about the position at T. Rowe Price during the UMBC career fair, where I engaged with representatives from the firm and explored their various finance opportunities. Intrigued by what I learned, I decided to apply through their online application, which consisted of three different parts. I submitted my application in mid-September. After successfully passing the application stage, I had a one-on-one interview with HR. Upon passing that, I was invited to a Superday interview, where I spent an entire day in back-to-back interviews with various professionals from different groups within T. Rowe Price. After successfully navigating this process, I received an offer to join the firm for a summer internship!
What resources did you use to find your current experience?:
Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.)
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?:
I've thoroughly enjoyed the passion for culture and diversity that T. Rowe Price promotes. The firm's culture, affectionately known as "T Rowe Nice," truly lives up to its name. It's incredibly easy to connect with and learn from anyone at the company, as everyone is eager to work with those who are curious and willing to learn. The array of activities outside of work is impressive, catering to a wide variety of interests. I joined a group focused on community service and volunteering, which led to one of my most rewarding experiences. We spent a day at a nonprofit second-hand store on the edge of Baltimore, where we sorted and organized stock for a few hours. It was a fulfilling and organic experience, working alongside people who share the same values and dedication to helping those in need.
What really stood out to me was how T. Rowe Price treated us as full-fledged employees rather than typical interns. For three months, they entrusted us with impactful and lasting projects and provided us with training and experiences that are usually reserved for full-time staff. We were actively involved in significant tasks, such as transferring funds and interacting with intermediary clients, which gave us a real sense of responsibility and a deep understanding of the business.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?:
I believe I've made an impact through my work and projects because what I worked on has become integral tools within the department. One of my projects is now being used as a job aid on the training website, accessible to all T. Rowe Price employees, which to me is clear evidence that my contributions are valued, lasting, and impactful! Additionally, my former manager continues to use this project as a presentation tool, further highlighting its importance and the trust they placed in my work!
Moreover, the collaborative nature of some projects, where I partnered with full-time employees, reinforced my belief that I was making a difference. Being treated as an integral part of the team and knowing that my work was contributing directly to the success of ongoing projects, rather than being just an intern assignment, assured me that my efforts were meaningful and impactful. The tangible results and continued use of my work within the company are how I know I've made a lasting impact!
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?:
My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience is to start early and be proactive in your search. Take advantage of resources like your school's Career Center, which can provide guidance, interview preparation, and connections to potential employers. When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the position you're targeting. During the internship, don't be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on additional responsibilities—this shows your eagerness to learn and grow. Lastly, focus on networking and building relationships with professionals across the organization; these connections can be invaluable for your future career!
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.:
What I liked most about my position at T. Rowe Price was the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that made a real impact within the department, along with the chance to network with a diverse range of professionals. I especially loved the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, which strongly aligned with my own ethics and morals. The numerous opportunities to grow and learn in such an inclusive environment were invaluable. The Career Center was instrumental in guiding me through the application process and preparing me for the interviews, helping me secure this incredible experience!
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